Claudio Puelles, UFC’s lightweight athlete fighting out of Peru, showed his grappling skills at UFC Vegas 44 prelims. At 3:25 in the third round, he pulled off a slick Kneebar finish against Chris Gruetzemacher!
Puelles was a favorite going into the match, so Gruetzemacher tried to get ahead in the very first minute. However, he went for an unsuccessful takedown attempt, which Puelles took advantage by getting on top. He stayed heavy and delivered a number of highly precise strikes.
Then, in the second round, it was Puelles who went for a takedown and ended up unsuccessful. Gruetzemacher stuffed the attempt and established top position. Puelles went for a Triangle Choke, but Gruetzemacher escaped it quite easily; after which the two athletes stood back up to their feet and exchanged some kicks. Then, they clinched up, and Puelles landed a couple of dangerous elbows in the last minute.
The third round began with Gruetzemacher accidentally kicking Puelles in the groin. After the pause, the two clinched up again, and this time around it was Gruetzemacher who delivered elbows.
Puelles went for a takedown but Gruetzemacher sprawled, gaining top position again. Then, the athletes engaged into a clinch against the fence once more; and with Gruetzemacher getting a takedown. But then, almost unexpectedly, Puelles went for a leg entanglement – wrapping up a Kneebar and getting the tap!
Check out the Kneebar finish by Claudio Puelles below:
Another finish! 🤯@CloxMMA locks in the kneebar. #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/DtGyUOCZ55
— UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021
